Anyone who has been exposed to the virus is at risk of becoming ill they have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had the measles.

Two doses of the vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles, said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist.

“We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations,” she said. “Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can’t receive it for medical reasons.”

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. The illness is easily spread through the air when a patient coughs or sneezes, or when a person comes into contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

It can cause serious complications, like pneumonia and swelling of the brain. In pregnant women, measles can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby.

A dose of the measles vaccine is recommended for anyone planning an international trip, including adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status.

For more information on what to do if you’ve been exposed to measles, click here.